Luke 21:5-19 (NRSV)
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Verse 5When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, Verse 6"As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." Verse 7They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" Verse 8And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. Verse 9"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Verse 10Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; Verse 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. Verse 12"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. Verse 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. Verse 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; Verse 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. Verse 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. Verse 17You will be hated by all because of my name. Verse 18But not a hair of your head will perish. Verse 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Devotion
We live in a time of worldly conflict on several fronts, including our own nation’s warring. The late Dr. Paul Scherer commented that we sing “God Bless America” as if God were our great ally. But it doesn’t seem to dawn on us that perhaps God may find such a request unpalatable, or that we many not like God's response. We may catch the first real glimpse of how much we've got wrong!
Every age has known the tumult of conflicts and wars. It is, according to Luke’s Jesus, an opportunity to witness – to testify – as faithful followers of the Servant King. God’s reign is constantly challenged and contested, and those who witness to that reign will feel the brunt of the contest. But fear not! Even those without eloquent words and voice will be given a word within. That’s the promise. See the stories of the Book of Acts as evidence.
Prayer
O God, help us to know that we aren’t likely to be sent out under your will to do startling, impossible things. Help us to know you send us to do the quiet, unspectacular things that matter, precisely where we are and with what we have! Amen.